Top 11 Mental Health Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for a mental health associate in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field. Certified professionals have a higher level of credibility and can provide evidence that they are qualified to work in the mental health field. Certifications also make an applicant more competitive when applying for jobs, as employers often look for candidates with the appropriate qualifications and certifications. Additionally, certifications provide validation that an individual has achieved certain standards of practice, which will help them succeed in their chosen profession. Finally, certifications can open up career advancement opportunities, as many organizations prefer to hire certified individuals with advanced skills or experience.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Mental Health Associates and explain how they can help propel a mental health associate's career.

What are Mental Health Associate Certifications?

Mental health associate certification is a credential that certifies an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competence in providing mental health services. This certification is typically awarded by professional organizations or educational institutions and requires the completion of specified academic courses, fieldwork, and/or examinations. The purpose of the certification is to ensure individuals are qualified to practice as a mental health associate in their chosen profession.

Mental health associates provide support for people with mental illness and help them manage their symptoms. They may work in residential settings, community-based programs, or private practices. With this certificate, these professionals can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to provide quality care to their clients.

The certificate may also be beneficial for those looking to pursue higher education or advance their careers in the mental health field. It can serve as proof that an individual has met certain qualifications and standards set by the governing body awarding it and thus make them more competitive when applying for jobs or pursuing further education opportunities. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates who hold this certification due to its indication of knowledge and experience in this field.

In short, obtaining a mental health associate certification can provide individuals with an opportunity to demonstrate expertise in the field, increase their chances of obtaining employment or higher education opportunities, and give them confidence knowing they are providing quality care to those who need it most.

Pro Tip: When researching mental health associate certification programs, be sure to look for programs that are accredited by a reputable organization such as the National Board for Certified Counselors or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This will ensure that your certification is recognized and respected in the field.

Related: What does a Mental Health Associate do?

Top 11 Mental Health Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Mental Health Associates today.

1. Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP)

A Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) is a mental health professional who has been certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to provide evidence-based psychosocial rehabilitation services to individuals with mental health conditions. CPRPs are trained in the principles and practices of psychiatric rehabilitation, including recovery-oriented approaches to treatment and support. They work collaboratively with individuals, families, and other professionals to develop individualized plans for recovery that focus on improving functioning and quality of life.

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To become a CPRP, candidates must meet the following criteria: hold a master’s degree or higher in psychology or a related field; have at least two years of experience providing direct care services to individuals with mental health conditions; pass an exam administered by CARF; and complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years.

The cost of becoming a CPRP varies depending on the program chosen. The exam fee is typically around $200-$250, while the application fee can range from $50-$100. In addition, some programs may require additional fees for materials or training courses.

2. Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Professional (CMHIMP)

Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Professional (CMHIMP) is a certification program for healthcare professionals who are interested in providing integrative mental health care. This certification program is designed to provide practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively integrate evidence-based, holistic approaches into their practice. The CMHIMP credential is awarded by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM).

The certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an exam. The online application requires applicants to provide information about their education, experience, and professional background. After submitting the application, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ethical considerations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process. In some cases, it may take longer depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances.

The cost of becoming certified depends on the applicant’s individual situation but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This includes fees for both the application and exam components of the certification process.

In addition to the cost of becoming certified, applicants should also consider any additional costs associated with continuing education or maintaining their credential once they become certified.

3. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional certification offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The CCMHC credential is designed to recognize mental health counselors who have achieved a high level of professional competence in the practice of clinical mental health counseling.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination. Applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in counseling from an accredited institution, as well as 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in mental health counseling within the past five years.

The application process for the CCMHC includes submitting an application form, providing documentation of your education and experience, and paying a fee. The fee for applying for the CCMHC is $385.

Once you have submitted your application and all required documents, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your results from NBCC. If you pass the exam, you will be awarded the CCMHC credential and can begin using it immediately.

4. Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)

Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in working with individuals who have mental health issues. CBHTs are trained to provide direct care services, such as client assessment, monitoring of symptoms, crisis intervention, and behavior management. They also provide support and guidance to clients and their families.

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To become certified, applicants must first meet the minimum educational requirements by obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent degree from an accredited institution. They must then complete a formal training program approved by the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). The training program includes courses in topics such as addiction counseling, case management, client assessment, and ethics. After completing the training program, applicants must pass a written exam administered by NAADAC in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other related expenses such as exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the entire process including tuition fees for the training program, exam fees, and application fees.

5. Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) are individuals who have been trained to provide emotional support and practical assistance to individuals with mental health issues. They are typically people who have experienced mental health challenges themselves, and use their own experiences to help others.

The certification process for CPSS is administered by the National Council for Behavioral Health, and includes a written exam, an oral exam, and a clinical evaluation. The written exam covers topics such as ethics, communication skills, recovery principles, and trauma-informed care. The oral exam focuses on the candidate’s ability to effectively communicate with clients in a therapeutic setting. The clinical evaluation assesses the candidate’s ability to apply knowledge in practice.

The entire certification process takes approximately four months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with the required fees ($150 for first-time applicants). After submitting their application, candidates will receive instructions on how to register for the written and oral exams. Once they pass both exams and complete their clinical evaluation, they will be eligible for certification as a CPSS.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPSS varies depending on the individual’s circumstances; however, most applicants can expect to pay between $200-$300 in total fees for the application process and exams.

6. National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) Certification

The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) Certification is a professional certification for therapists who specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge and skill in the practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The NACBT Certification is granted to those who have completed specific training requirements and demonstrated mastery of cognitive-behavioral therapy principles.

To be eligible for the NACBT Certification, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in psychology or a related field, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience working with clients using cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. In addition, applicants must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education credit in cognitive-behavioral therapy within the past three years. Finally, applicants must pass a written examination that covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all the requirements for the NACBT Certification. The cost for the application fee and exam fee is approximately $400 USD.

7. Board Certified Associate in Applied Behavior Analysis (BCaBA)

Board Certified Associate in Applied Behavior Analysis (BCaBA) is a certification that is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). It is an entry-level certification for practitioners of behavior analysis. The BCaBA credential requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and complete a minimum of 180 hours of coursework in behavior analysis.

To obtain the BCaBA certification, applicants must pass the BACB's four-hour, multiple-choice exam. The exam consists of 150 questions covering topics such as ethical conduct, assessment and intervention strategies, behavior change systems, and research methods.

The cost to take the BCaBA exam varies depending on where you are taking it but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or other administrative costs.

Once you have passed the exam, you will need to submit your application and fee to receive your BCaBA certification. This can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. Once you have received your certification, it must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education requirements set forth by the BACB.

8. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Clinical Social Work Certification

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Clinical Social Work Certification is a voluntary certification program for social workers who provide direct clinical services to individuals, families, and groups. The purpose of the certification is to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills of social workers in providing clinical services.

To obtain the NASW Clinical Social Work Certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work, as well as two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience. In addition, applicants must pass a written examination and complete an ethics review process.

The process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on whether or not you are an NASW member. For NASW members, the cost is $225; for non-members it is $325.

9. Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have completed the educational requirements and passed the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). The LPCA is a stepping stone to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

It typically takes two to three years of post-graduate study in counseling, including supervised clinical experience, to become eligible for an LPCA. This includes completing at least 60 semester hours of graduate coursework in counseling, passing the NCE exam, and completing at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

To obtain an LPCA license, you must submit an application to your state’s licensing board. The application will require you to provide proof of your education and experience as well as payment of any fees associated with the application process. Once your application is approved, you will receive your license.

The cost of obtaining an LPCA license varies by state but typically ranges from $50-$200. You may also be required to pay additional fees for fingerprinting or background checks. Additionally, there may be costs associated with taking the NCE exam such as registration fees and study materials.

10. Board Certified Professional Counselor Associate (BCPCA)

Board Certified Professional Counselor Associate (BCPCA) is a credential that is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This certification recognizes counselors who have met the highest standards of professional practice and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their work.

To become a BCPCA, individuals must complete an accredited master’s degree program in counseling or related field, pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), and meet additional requirements set by the NBCC. The NCMHCE is a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge in areas such as diagnosis, treatment planning, ethics, and legal issues.

The process of becoming a BCPCA can take several years to complete. It typically involves completing an accredited master’s degree program in counseling or related field, passing the NCMHCE exam, and meeting additional requirements set by the NBCC. Depending on the individual's academic background and experience level, this process can take anywhere from two to five years.

The cost of becoming a BCPCA varies depending on factors such as tuition costs for graduate school programs and fees associated with taking the NCMHCE exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to become certified.

In addition to these costs, individuals must also pay an annual fee to maintain their certification status with the NBCC. This fee is typically around $100 per year.

11. National Board for Certified Counselors Addiction Professional Certification (NBCCAPC).

The National Board for Certified Counselors Addiction Professional Certification (NBCCAPC) is a credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of addiction counselors. The NBCCAPC is the only certification program in the United States specifically designed to recognize addiction professionals working with individuals, families, and groups. It is an independent, non-profit organization that has been providing certification since 1989.

To become certified as an Addiction Professional, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements which include having a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; completing a minimum of two years of supervised clinical experience in addiction counseling; passing a comprehensive written examination; and meeting other criteria set by the board.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all of the requirements for NBCCAPC certification. After completing all of the necessary requirements, applicants will be notified within four weeks if they have been approved for certification.

The cost to apply for NBCCAPC certification varies depending on whether you are already certified as a counselor by another organization. For those who are not already certified, the cost is $250 plus $100 for each additional specialty area you wish to be certified in. For those who are already certified by another organization, the cost is $150 plus $100 for each additional specialty area you wish to be certified in.

Do You Really Need a Mental Health Associate Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Mental Health Associate Certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to enter the mental health field, then a certificate may be beneficial. Having certification can demonstrate that you have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for working in this field. It will also provide evidence of your commitment to professional standards and ethical practices.

If you are considering entering the mental health field, it is important to research different certifications and programs available. There are numerous certificates offered by colleges and universities, as well as organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Each program has its own requirements and benefits, so it is important to understand exactly what each one offers before making a decision.

It is also important to consider whether or not you want to pursue additional education after obtaining a Mental Health Associate Certificate. Many employers prefer applicants with advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctoral degrees in psychology or counseling. If you decide to pursue further education, make sure that the program you choose is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. This will ensure that the education you receive meets the highest standards of quality in mental health care.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Mental Health Associate Certificate depends on your career goals and educational plans. Make sure to research all available options carefully before deciding which certificate is right for you.

Related: Mental Health Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Mental Health Associate Certifications

1. What is a Mental Health Associate Certification?

Answer: A Mental Health Associate Certification is a credentialing program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the mental health field. It typically includes courses in psychology, counseling, mental health law and ethics, as well as other topics related to working with individuals who have mental health issues.

2. What type of job can I get with a Mental Health Associate Certification?

Answer: With a Mental Health Associate Certification, you can pursue jobs in hospitals, clinics, schools and community settings. Possible roles may include case manager, therapist or counselor, social worker or research assistant.

3. How long does it take to complete a Mental Health Associate Certification?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete a Mental Health Associate Certification will vary depending on the institution offering the certification and your individual learning pace. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all required coursework and exams for certification.

4. How much does a Mental Health Associate Certification cost?

Answer: The cost of a Mental Health Associate Certification will depend on the institution offering the certification and any additional fees associated with taking exams or completing other requirements for certification. Generally speaking, costs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the program chosen.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Mental Health Associate Certification?

Answer: Most institutions require applicants to have completed at least some college-level coursework in psychology or related fields prior to applying for a Mental Health Associate Certification program. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation or pass an exam before being accepted into their certification program.